Gay Days in Orlando
 

We have a High School Band trip scheduled for the first weekend in June. A parent asked if I knew about Gay Days (and I knew very little)

My question: Is this event so large and out of control that we should change the date of our trip? Or does the park still enforce rules and the park is still appropriate for families?

I am not asking for any judgements, I don't care to see either heterosexuals nor Gay/Lesbian 'performing' in public.

Thanks

Just check gaydays.com and plan your schedule so that you are not hitting the park when the event is happening. I believe that Magic Kingdom is always on the first Saturday.

Pete Werner has wdwinfo.com & disboards.com and happens to be gay. He wrote an article about why he won't attend Gay Days because he is not comfortable with the public behavior. You can read the article for yourself at: www.wdwinfo.com/disney-gay-days.htm

This might help you make your own decision about bringing a High School band down.

You'll also probably want to avoid Pleasure Island.

VN.....Go to Google...Enter exactly.....gay days at disneyworld....Read the FRC article and the CNSNEWS clip....Make your own decision.....Best of Luck....Stephen

Wow. That Peter Werner article is one of the most articulate and intelligent I've ever read on this subject.

A really good article. Actions of dignity, gay or straight.

Peforming???? Oh gimme a break. I don't recall that gay people perform for anyone except when on stage. You don't want to see two people of the same sex kissing, then leave but don't expect them to have to be the ones who are doing something wrong simply because YOU'RE the one uncomfortable. I don't like it when I see an adult male and female french kissing but I don't say anything because they're too wrapped up in each other and dense to know what's decent public affection. I don't mind mild public affection; hand holding, a kiss on the lips or cheek mind you. I would never think to play tonsil hockey with my girlfriend in public because that's the way I was raised, not because I have a same sex partner. It always amazes me the kind of decorum people ignore on this board if it's a question about "gay people" and an ignorant one at that. How many others would avoid WDW if they knew heterosexuals were "performing"? If your five year old asks about two men kissing, tell them the truth and act like a parent who's raising a child in society that will have to deal with many types of people whether you agree with what they do or not; "There are some men and women who are attracted to each other the way Mom and Dad love each other". If your child sees you uncomfortable and rolling your eyes they too will pick up your behavior. How do you explain to your five year old why a muslim woman is covered head to toe? Do you ignore it or explain to the best of your ability?

Boy did you miss the point, BjorkChop!

The gay may get on you. Be careful.


:-D


Seriously, my family has been three or four times because our kids get out of school the end of May and the rates are still lower.

I've never noticed anything. On the flip side, I've been when it was mainly hetero and I've never noticed anything either.

No flagrant acts of PDAs.

What is the point?

VisitNOLA: as to your question Yes, it is that large.

BeachBoi's suggested articles are by two anti-gay media outlets, the Family Research Council and CNS News, so I'd imagine their take is quite inflammatory. I've been to Magic Kingdom during Gay Days and not seen anything that awful. People holding hands was the worst of it. And maybe it's because I'm on the left coast, but kids seem to be OK with that. Which has the old fogies in the FRC apoplectic.

Having said that, I see Pete Werner's point; Disneyworld should be about family and fun, and nothing tawdry should taint that overall environment. But I'd be willing to bet that on any given day you'll find young people getting a little high and hooking up at theme parks....

If you are homophobic, yes I would change the dates of your trip.

My father-in-law and his partner are going...I think it depends on what part of the park you're in. I know he's going to some parties that are similar to the circuit parties, including the one they just had here in NYC. In those situations yeah you'll find some behavior that's not appropriate for kids (my wife was out of town but I dropped the guys off at Roseland after dinner/drinks and saw some stuff that simply was not appropriate for kids...but this is NYC and after midnight, not disney world), but from what he tells me they are limited in space and time and for the most part are private parties.

That said, you'll always find some people that choose to act inappropriately as per that article above. All groups have their etiquette-challenged members. I think most of the areas of the park will be fine.

"If you are homophobic, yes I would change the dates of your trip."

Suze, I really think your comment was way out of line. VisitNOLA is responsible for a group of minors. He/She had a parent come with concerns and has come to this board to arm himself/herself with good information. These kids aren't necessarily coming with their families - the school is responsible for their well-being.

If this was "Gay Family Days" then they could reasonably expect life as usual at the House of Mouse. But if this is a big hook up & party event - well, that is worth some consideration. I know that's pretty far-fetched - no groups ever descend upon Florida just to hook up and party.

Would you throw around personal insults if they'd asked a question like, "I've heard that the Sororities and Fraternities all meet at WDW unofficially on this week - is it okay for high school kids?"

Or if they asked, "We're taking a High School group to Epcot during the Food & Wine festival. Are the booths really good about checking ID's before selling alcohol to young people?"

Why accuse VisitNOLA of being "homophobic" - are you the information police?

Earlier I said BjorkChop missed the point. I now see he wasn't the only one. To try to turn someone questioning taking a large group of high schoolers to an event where "tonsil hockey" IS the thing, and they will endure many taunts by a group gone "mad" with their new found freedom and safety in numbers into a homophobic reaction is nuts at best.
If it were a few guys holding hands of course it wouldn't be a big deal -- but clearly many of you don't have a clue what the behavior at this event attended by an estimated 150,000 people "going wild". Put 150,000 hopscotch players in one group and tell them to let loose, and all bets are off. This has nothing to do with gay or straight. It's a huge group gone mad, that's all.

I'd say go for it and don't worry about what anyone else is doing. I'm sure your high schoolers have seen "performances" before. Don't make a big deal out of it and it won't be a big deal. Just my opinion...

Thanks for the replies. I was trying not to be judgemental either way. The students I spoke with had no problem with going during Gay Days. In fact, last year we had a gay couple in the band and they were treated no differently than other couples.

My main concern, and I guess news reports blow things out of proportion, but I heard reports that there was open nudity and Disney didn't do anything to stop it.

I know news media likes to report on the toplessness during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but actually the majority of Mardi Gras celebrations are family events. For those offended by nudity, you can just stay off Bourbon Street.

I know many high schoolers have seen it all before, but being responsible for other peoples children I was just wondering what to expect.

Sorry if any feelings were hurt.

Thanks

Incidentally, the biggest events of Gay Days are not in the park, but at Pleasure Island, Hard Rock, and various other venues. These are massive all night parties. I strongly suspect that during Gay Days, you might have the parks almost to yourselves until at least noon while the partiers are sleeping it off.

VisitNOLA,
You sound like a responsible adult trying to make an informed decision. Some people apparently just don't understand that. No apologies necessary.